Rooted and Growing: Highlights from the 2026 Mid-Atlantic CBF Annual Gathering

A Morning of Fellowship and Vision

The day began with a warm welcome and a continental breakfast, providing a much-needed space for clergy and lay leaders to reconnect. During the opening Plenary session, Moderator Doug Shenton provided a beautiful theme interpretation. He reminded the gathering that "well-being" is deeply rooted in the biblical concept of shalom—a wholeness found only when we are rooted in the love of a God who desires restoration for all of creation. Following this reflection, the fellowship conducted its annual business, including:

• Approval of Bylaw updates.

• Adoption of the 2026-2027 Budget.

• Election of the 2026-2027 Coordinating Council.

Updates from the Field

We heard inspiring reports from our Congregational Connection, Clergy Care, and Mission Engagement teams. A highlight of the business session was when Executive Coordinator Sean Roberds awarded two revitalization grants to support innovative local ministry:

1. Kensington Baptist Church in Kensington, MD

2. Village Baptist Church in Bowie, MD

   
   

The room also held a moment of solemnity as Dot Chambers (First Baptist Church of Herndon) shared an update from Persian World Outreach. She highlighted the current grief and fear facing the Persian church in America amid loss in Iran and the threat of persecution, calling the fellowship to continued prayer and advocacy.

Networking and Resource Exploration

Following the plenary, the atmosphere buzzed with energy as attendees visited the resource room and networking hubs.

·       The Church Benefits Board hosted a vibrant networking space just outside the sanctuary.

·       The Resource Room featured representatives from CBF Advocacy, Congregational Ministries, Dawnings, Pep Talk Ministries, and the Washington DC VA Medical Center.

Breakout Sessions for Practical Well-being

Breakout sessions provided practical ideas for congregations to implement immediately. Highlights included:

·       Beyond Next-Gen: Colin Kroll (CBF’s Young Adult Ministries Manager) challenged the group to move beyond age-level programming. Using data from the Children’s Ministry Network and surveys of Millennials and Gen Z, the session explored how to curate intergenerational spaces where everyone truly belongs.

·       Building a Competitive Compensation Package: Led by Rob Fox, Jenny Clore, and Nicole Averette of the Church Benefits Board, this session was a deep dive for churches looking to call new ministers or reevaluate current packages. They focused on how healthy compensation is a key factor in recruiting and retaining talented leaders for the long term.

·       Faith Meets Public Health: David Simmons, Director of Pastoral Care at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA.  Helped churches to consider partnering with local health systems to address social and spiritual needs. David posed the question, what if your church could serve its community with greater clarity and impact? Then he explained how local healthcare system are an untapped resource congregations could easily partner with to enhance its mission reach.

·   Creating a Culture of Wellbeing in your Congregation, K Scarry, Interim Pastor, FBC Herndon Ask the question, how do you tend to yourself and to the culture in your congregation, creating a space that is healthy and able to weather challenges and change? The group spent time talking about ways to stay grounded, to discern what your congregation needs, and left with practical tools to foster health and wellbeing in their congregation.

Breaking Bread and Closing Worship

After a wonderful lunch and time of fellowship we concluded the day with meaningful worship featuring Rev. Dr. C. Lynn Brinkley. Her sermon was a profound call to Faithfull Well-being, offering "holy reminders" that resonated deeply:

• Rest is not rebellion; it is a sacred rhythm.

• Therapy is not a lack of faith; it is a courageous step toward healing.

• Boundaries are not selfish; they are essential for sustainability.

• The Sabbath is holy.

Moving Forward Together

We left Ox Hill Baptist Church with full hearts and a renewed commitment to our shared mission. As we return to our various contexts, may we remain rooted in the grace and growing in Faith!

We are Full of Gratitude!

We are grateful for the presence of Lynn Brinkley, CBF Global Pan African Koinonia Field Ministry Coordinator, and the message she brings about well-being in the church during these times. We are inspired by her commitment to build relationships with Black clergy and connect them to CBF for fellowship, partnership and justice work.

Thank you to Ox Hill Baptist Church for hosting our 2026 Annual Gathering.

Thank you to Brenda Hafer, Doug Shenton and Ellen Wilson for serving on the 2026 Annual Gathering Planning Team.

Thank you to McLean Baptist Church for printing our Annual Meeting Program.

Thank you to The Church Benefits Board for sponsoring our networking space and bringing the entire staff to our gathering. We are grateful for the way they support churches and ministers and have made themselves available today to meet one- on-one to provide support and answer any questions.

2026-2027 MID-ATLANTIC CBF

COORDINATING COUNCIL

2024-2027

Andrew Lewis, Clergy, VA*

Vincent Lui, Laity, MD

David Simmons, Chaplain, PA

2025-2028

Allison Anderson, Chaplain, WV

Brenda Hafer, Clergy, VA

Ellen Wilson, Laity, VA

2026-2029

Stephen Gray, Clergy VA

Cindy Wallace, Chaplain, DC

Julia Bradley, Clergy, DC

*Andrew Lewis is filling in for Joby Tricquet’s last year.

MACBF Council Members completing their terms this year

Thank you for your commitment to our fellowship and your encouraging support!

Faith Fitzgerald, Chaplain, MD

Douglas Shenton, Clergy, PA

Rosa Feemster, Laity, VA

Emily Collins, Clergy, VA

Joby Tricquet, Clergy, VA

We look forward to seeing you in March of 2027!